U.S. patent application number 10/679930 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-07 for slipcover touch input apparatus for displays of computing devices.
Invention is credited to Durso, Nick P..
Application Number | 20050073504 10/679930 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34394275 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050073504 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Durso, Nick P. |
April 7, 2005 |
Slipcover touch input apparatus for displays of computing
devices
Abstract
This invention provides a slipcover touch input apparatus and
structure for displays for computing devices that converts a
non-touch screen display to a touch screen display. The slipcover
assembly acts as a sheath or cover for the display, and the touch
screen is mounted in a window or opening of the casing of the
display so that the touch screen is oriented to mimic the position
of the display. This touch screen slipcover can convert any display
of a computing device into a touch screen display.
Inventors: |
Durso, Nick P.; (Canyon
Country, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF DAVID HONG
David Hong, Esq.
P.O. Box 2111
Santa Clarita
CA
91386-2111
US
|
Family ID: |
34394275 |
Appl. No.: |
10/679930 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/166 20130101;
G06F 2200/1612 20130101; G06F 1/1616 20130101; G06F 3/0488
20130101; E05B 73/0082 20130101; G06F 1/1601 20130101; G06F 3/041
20130101; G06F 1/1632 20130101; G06F 2200/1611 20130101; E05B 45/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/173 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Claims
1. A structure suitable for converting a non-touch screen display
into a touch screen display for a computing device comprising: a
touch screen; a casing; the casing having an opening for the touch
screen; at least one casing surface; a controller for the touch
screen; a computing device software driver for the touch screen; a
connection from the controller of the touch screen to the computing
device, whereby the casing is positioned over and substantially
around the display for the computing device such that the touch
screen in the casing opening is oriented directly over the display
to convert a non-touch screen display to a touch screen
display.
2. The structure of claim 1 wherein the connection to the computing
device is a Universal Serial Bus, Fire Wire, wireless, or cable
connection.
3. The structure of claim 1 wherein the casing further comprises at
least one outer casing surface and at least one inner casing
surface, whereby the at least one outer casing surface and the at
least one inner casing surface define a space for the display to
fit.
4. The structure of claim 1 wherein the casing comprises a plastic
composite.
5. The structure of claim 1 wherein the casing further comprises at
least one pivotable stand, which is positioned opposite to the
opening of the casing, whereby the at least one stand supports the
structure and the display.
6. A structure suitable for converting a non-touch screen display
into a touch screen display for a computing device comprising: a
touch screen; a casing; the casing having an opening for the touch
screen; at least one casing surface; a controller for the touch
screen; a computing device software driver for the touch screen; a
connection from the controller of the touch screen to the computing
device; the casing surface having at least one pivotable stand;
whereby the casing is positioned over and substantially around the
display for the computing device such that the touch screen in the
casing opening is oriented directly over the display to convert a
non-touch screen display to a touch screen display and whereby the
at least one stand supports the casing and the display.
7. The structure of claim 6 wherein the connection to the computing
device is a Universal Serial Bus, Fire Wire, wireless, or cable
connection.
8. The structure of claim 6 wherein the casing further comprises at
least one outer casing surface and at least one inner casing
surface, whereby the at least one outer casing surface and the at
least one inner casing surface define a space for the display to
fit.
9. The structure of claim 6 wherein the casing comprises a plastic
composite.
10. A method of using structure suitable for converting a non-touch
screen display into a touch screen display for a computing device,
said structure comprising a touch screen; a casing; the casing
having an opening for the touch screen and at least one outer
casing surface and at least one inner casing surface; the at least
one outer casing surface and the at least one inner casing surface
further defining a space for the display; a controller for the
touch screen; a computing device software driver for the touch
screen; a connection from the controller of the touch screen to the
computing device, comprising the following steps: Placing the
casing over and substantially around the display into the space
defined by the at least one outer casing surface and the at least
one inner casing surface; Installing the computing device software
driver; and Attaching the connection from the controller of the
touch screen to the computing device, Whereby the touch screen in
the casing opening is oriented directly over the display to convert
a non-touch screen display to a touch screen display.
11. (canceled).
12. The method of claim 10 further comprising moving a pivotable
stand on the casing from a first closed position to a second opened
position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a structure suitable for
converting a non-touch screen display into a touch screen display
comprising a slipcover for a display for computing devices and
other electronic devices that not only protects the display but
also allows for conversion of a regular or non-touch screen display
to a touch screen display. By allowing for easy conversion of a
regular or non-touch screen display to a touch screen display, the
user will realize significant cost and timesavings, adaptability,
and convenience.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Prior to the present invention, in order to convert a
non-touch screen display to a touch screen display, the user needed
to take apart and disassemble the display to install a touch
screen. This touch screen installation required additional time and
money for a user. In addition, due to the complexity of
installation process of a touch screen to a display and the wide
range of quality of different touch screens available in the
marketplace, many users were not satisfied with the quality of the
touch screen products and/or time required for installation.
[0005] From the preceding description, it is apparent that the
devices currently being used have significant disadvantages. Thus,
important aspects of the technology used in the field of invention
remain amenable to useful refinement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an easy
and quick way to convert any display, including liquid crystal
display (LCD) or flat-screen display, to a touch screen display
without taking apart or disassembling the display. The present
invention is placed, oriented, positioned, or slipped over the
display to allow the non-touch screen display to become a touch
screen display; there is also a connection from the internal
circuitry or processing component(s) or controller of the touch
screen to the computing device.
[0007] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a
slipcover that protects the display screen from physical injury or
damage. Since the cost of displays or monitors or view screens for
computing devices can be quite considerable, the slipcover can
provide an economical way to protect the valuable display from
injury or wear and tear.
[0008] Another purpose of the present invention is to allow for
easy communication with a computing device with a touch screen
interface. With the growing and popular use of mobile and laptop
computers for presentations, this invention provides an easier
input access through a touch screen than with using a stylus,
mouse, or other external input device. This facilitation of the
input process allows for maximizing the usefulness and portability
of mobile computing.
[0009] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an
economical and affordable way to provide access to a touch screen
to a single or multiple users. Since the invention can be removed
and replaced on any display easily, this invention allows operators
to best maximize their resources and to apply use of a touch screen
when needed.
[0010] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an
easy and cost-effective way to convert a non-touch screen display
to a touch screen display without having to physically take apart
or disassemble the display and/or computing device to install a
touch screen. For example, instead of having to convert many
non-touch screen displays and integrated computer/display machines
with an internally installed touch screen, the user simply needs to
slip over the instant invention over the needed displays to make
the necessary conversion into a touch screen displays.
[0011] Another purpose of the present invention allows for making
computers more accessible to users with handicaps or disabilities
that prevent them from accessing computers via traditional input
devices such as the keyboard and the mouse. These particular touch
screen users can take advantage of using a finger, stylus, or other
easy to use input to engage the touch screen. Additionally, since
the present invention facilitates the transformation of a regular
non-touch screen display into a touch screen display, users with
handicaps and/or disabilities are further able to enjoy the
benefits of using touch screen input devices to access a computing
device and the Internet.
[0012] The present invention introduces such refinements. In its
preferred embodiments, the present invention has several aspects or
facets that can be used independently, although they are preferably
employed together to optimize their benefits. All of the foregoing
operational principles and advantages of the present invention will
be more fully appreciated upon consideration of the following
detailed description, with reference to the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a view of the invention placed over a mobile or
laptop computer;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 on
a mobile or laptop computer;
[0015] FIG. 3 is frontal view of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the invention as shown in FIG.
3;
[0017] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention with
special pivotable stand in a second or open position;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the another embodiment with a
pivotable stand in a first or closed position;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side view of the another embodiment with a
pivotable stand in a second or opened position;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a rear view of another embodiment with a pivotable
stand in a first or closed position.
[0021] FIG. 9 is view of another embodiment on a stand alone
display.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1-8, there is illustrated a structure or a
touch screen slipcover assembly 20 for adjustably converting a
non-touch screen display 25, including but not limited to a liquid
crystal display (LCD) and a flat-panel display, to a touch screen
display.
[0023] The touch screen slipcover 20 for a computing device has a
touch screen 35 on one surface; this slipcover slips over and acts
like a sheath or surrounding cover or glove over and around the
display 25 for a computing device 30. A connection 40, such as a
Universal Serial Bus (USB) cord, connects a controller (not shown)
of the touch screen (input device) to the computing device 30. The
controller may be located on the back surface of the slipcover or
integrated and compartmentalized within the slipcover casing 45.
This invention will convert any non-touch screen display to a touch
screen display to receive input from a user based on touch or
pressure or other touch screen technologies.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, there is a slipcover assembly 20, which
is placed over the screen display 25 of a computing device or
computer 30. The slipcover assembly 20 or slipcover structure 20
comprises a casing 45. This casing 45 has a window 50 or opening 50
for a touch screen 35 to be mounted and to mirror the view screen
55 of the display 25. This window and opening 50 of the casing 45
should mimic the position, location, and orientation of the display
25 so that the touch screen 35 will align properly with the display
25 and the view screen 55 of the display 25. In other words, the
touch screen 35 and casing 45 will fit like a glove over the
display 25 of the computing device 30 so that the user can view the
view screen 55 of the display 25 through the opening 50 of the
casing 45.
[0025] Further, the casing substantially surrounds the display and
covers the outer portions of the display body and the view screen.
By substantially surrounding the display, the casing provides
further stability and protection to the display and the touch
screen apparatus. As a result, from general use, the slipcover
touch input apparatus will not be maladjusted or knocked off from
the optimal viewing position. Also, the slipcover assembly will
remain on the display until the user decides and intends to remove
the slipcover assembly.
[0026] In addition, in another embodiment, the casing 45 can also
have a protective layer instead of a touch screen to sit in the
window or opening 50. This protective layer can be a glass, plastic
composite, or a see-through mesh. In addition, this protective
layer may also provide protection from interference or glare.
[0027] The casing 45 has at least one casing surface 60. In one
embodiment, the casing 45 can have all smooth surfaces and avoid
having edges, so that there is only one casing surface 60 around
the slipcover assembly 20. In other embodiments, there will be
multiple casing surfaces, including inner and outer casing
surfaces, and this invention is not to be limited by the number of
casing surfaces.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1-4, there is at least one outer casing
surface 65 and at least one inner casing surface 70. In FIG. 1-4,
there is a first outer casing surface 75, a second outer casing
surface 80, a third outer casing surface 85 (height), and a fourth
outer casing surface (width) 90. In FIG. 1-4, there is also a first
inner casing surface 95, a second inner casing surface 100, a third
inner casing surface 105, and a fourth inner casing surface.
[0029] In addition, depending on how the touch screen 35 is placed
within the casing window or opening 50, there may also be at least
one casing window surface. The touch screen 35 may be flush with
the at least one casing outer surface 65. In addition, the touch
screen 35 may also be slightly below or above the at least one
casing outer surface 65. The touch screen 35 can be installed to
different heights in relation to the at least one outer casing
surface 65.
[0030] The outer casing surfaces and the touch screen 35 form a
shell or sheath or a partially enclosed space 120, which will slip
around the display 25. The display 25 will act as a male piece,
which will fit into the slipcover assembly 20, which will act as a
female piece. The second casing outer surface 80 lies opposite to
the touch screen 35. In addition, there is also a casing connection
surface 125, which lies opposite to the fourth inner casing surface
and fourth outer casing surface 90.
[0031] Additionally, the casing comprises at least one outer casing
surface and at least one inner casing surface, whereby the at least
one outer casing surface and the at least one inner casing surface
define a space 120 for the display to fit and to substantially
occupy.
[0032] Materials for the Casing:
[0033] The casing 45 can be made of a variety of different
materials, such as a plastic or a composite, including a plastic
composite. Also, the casings may employ an alloy or metal composite
or a carbon fiber material. The casing material should be
lightweight, yet sturdy and durable, and the casing possibly could
be made of wood fibers or a cardboard composite.
[0034] Basic Touch Screen:
[0035] A basic touch screen typically has three main components:
(1) touch screen or sensor; (2) a controller; and (3) software
driver. A typical touch screen sensor employs a clear glass panel
with a touch responsive surface. This touch screen sensor is placed
and oriented over the display of the computing device (computer,
DVD, gaming, kiosk, register, or other computing machine) so that
the responsive area of the touch screen panel covers the viewable
area or view screen of the display.
[0036] Through some sort of physical or wireless connection, a
controller communicates the input data from the touch screen or
sensor to the computing device. This controller (typically a
computing card) may be integrated into the display or computing
device. This controller may be mounted internally or externally to
either the touch screen structure or the computing device or within
an external structure. Some computing devices may require
specialized controllers to connect the computing device to the
touch screen.
[0037] The computing device may employ software or software drivers
to interpret the input information from the touch screen that is
sent from the controller. Some computing devices may not require
separate software drivers or employ their own built-in touch screen
software drivers.
[0038] Touch Screen:
[0039] The instant touch screen 35 or touch sensor 35 has an outer
touch screen surface 130 and an inner touch screen surface 135.
This invention is not limited to any particular type of touch
screen or pressure sensitive input device.
[0040] This instant invention can incorporate a wide variety of
different types of touch screens and pressure sensitive input
devices. Examples of different kinds of touch screens and touch
sensor technologies are Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW), Near Field
Imaging, Capacitive, Analog Resistive; 5-Wire Resistive; 4-Wire
Resistive; Pen-Touch Capacitive; and Infra-Red (IR). Typically, a
sensor generally has an electrical current or signal passing
through; touching the sensor screen causes a voltage or signal
change; this voltage or signal change is used to determine the
location (including 2-dimensional position) of the input or touch
to the sensor screen. These types of touch screens are for example
only and are not intended to limit the scope of different kinds of
touch screen input devices that can be used with the instant
invention.
[0041] In addition, the touch screen 35 and the casing window 50
imitate and mimic the position and the dimensions of the display
25. The touch screen 35 should be able to be mounted, installed,
positioned, and fitted within the window or opening 50 of the
casing 45. As shown in FIG. 1, the touch screen slipcover assembly
or structure 20 is placed and positioned substantially over the
display 25 as a sheath or similar to a pillowcase over a pillow.
The slipcover assembly 20 substantially surrounds the display of
the computing device, including the view screen and the much of the
body of the display body. The view screen 55 of the display 25 will
appear through the opening or window 50 of the casing 45, and the
touch screen will substantially cover the view screen of the
display 25. By mimicking, imitating, and simulating the position,
orientation, and dimensions of the display 25, the touch screen
slipcover assembly 20 can allow the non-touch screen display to
become a touch screen display and allow the user to see through the
touch screen to the display view screen.
[0042] Connection from Touch Screen to Computing Device:
[0043] There is a connection 40 to link the touch screen slipcover
20 to the computing device 30. As shown in FIG. 1-2, there is a
wire connection 40 from the internal circuitry or controller of the
touch screen to the computing device 35. This can be a variety of
different connections such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), Fire
Wire, serial cable, fiber optic cable, and wireless. This invention
is not to be limited by the type of connection device, but this
invention can use any possible connection from the touch screen to
the computing device--physical or wireless connection.
[0044] In addition, in another embodiment, the touch screen
slipcover may have a connection that fits within one of the outer
surfaces of the casing or within the casing connection surface 125.
For example, the slipcover 20 would have a male connection that
would fit within a female connection on the computing device. Or,
the slipcover would have a female connection that would accept a
male connection from the computing device.
[0045] In another embodiment, the connection 40 between the touch
screen slipcover and the computing device would not require a
physical connection but could take advantage of wireless technology
such as radio signals or infrared communication.
[0046] Slipcover for Stand Alone Display:
[0047] The slipcover touch screen assembly can be applied to a
stand-alone display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or
flat-screen display or even a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) display. As
with the slipcover assembly for mobile computers, the slipcover
assembly for stand-alone displays would use similar connection
elements as described above. As shown in FIG. 9, this embodiment of
the invention would slip over the stand-alone display, just like
the embodiment for mobile or laptop computer displays.
[0048] This particular invention is considered for flat-screen or
LCD displays due to the thin nature of these displays, but this
invention should not be simply limited to these types of displays.
This invention could be applied to other types of displays, such as
large and bulky displays and plasma displays, and the slipcover
dimensions would have to mimic and to imitate the display
dimensions and position of the view screen accordingly. In
addition, it is also possible to convert large view displays into
touch screen displays.
[0049] Built-In Stand:
[0050] As shown in FIG. 5-8, the slipcover assembly may also have a
built-in stand or strut 140 on the second casing outer surface 80.
This adjustable stand or support 140 has a first or closed position
(see FIG. 6) and a second or opened position (see FIG. 5). In the
first position, the stand 140 lies flush against the second casing
outer surface 80. In the second position, the stand is pivoted and
can be swung out to forms an angle (typically, less than
90-degrees, but may be greater) from the second casing outer
surface 80. This stand 140 will help support the slipcover assembly
20 and the display 25. The stand 140 can lean against the table,
desk, or counter surface upon which the laptop or mobile computer
lies. The stand may be positioned opposite to the opening 50 of the
casing. The stand can be adjusted to a variety of different
positions to allow for optimal viewing of the touch screen and the
display.
[0051] This embodiment may employ one pivotable or adjustable stand
140 or a multitude of pivotable or adjustable stands. In the first
position, the stand or stands 140 will be flush or hidden within
the casing 45 or rest just above the casing surface 80. In the
second position, the user will pull out and pivot the stand(s) 140
so that the stand(s) 140 will help support the weight of the
slipcover assembly 20, including the touch screen and casing) and
the display 25 in order to maintain an optimal and comfortable
viewing angle for the user of the touch screen and display.
[0052] In addition, the stand 140 may also be detachable from the
casing surface 80 so that the user may attach or detach the stand
140 depending on use and no need. The stand 140 may also be
pivotally integrated into the casing body so that in the first
position, the stand will be held flush against the casing outer
surface. In the second position, the user can pull out the stand
140.
[0053] Touch Screen Circuitry Outer Box:
[0054] The circuitry or controller for the touch screen can be
placed on a box or compartment 145 on the casing outer surface 65.
In addition, this circuitry or controller for the touch screen can
be internalized in the casing 45 so that there are no circuitry
storage areas or box 145 that break the casing outer surface
65.
[0055] Anti-Theft Device or Lock for Slipcover:
[0056] This present invention allows for a lock to be placed on the
slipcover and connected to a stationary object to avoid theft of
the slipcover. In one embodiment, a hole is drilled into the casing
so that a padlock or any other type of lock can secure the object
from being moved or stolen. This anti-theft device is significant
because the slipcover can be so easily installed and removed. Also,
the user may also require that the touch screen slipcover be used
for different employees with different computers. This allows for
some flexibility in how users use their slipcover touch screen
adapter for their computer equipment.
[0057] Another embodiment allows for an anti-theft deterrent device
such as an alarm or an anti-motion sensor that would be activated
if the structure is removed unintentionally.
[0058] Non-Touch Screen Embodiment:
[0059] In addition, this invention can also use a non-touch screen
in the window or opening of the casing. This non-touch screen
embodiment would act as a protective sheath or guard for the
display. Since many current LCD or flat-screen displays are quite
expensive, it would be prudent for users to protect their displays.
In addition, the non-touch screen embodiment can use filters or
see-through screens in the window to reduce glare on the
display.
[0060] Method of Use:
[0061] To use the touch screen slipcover assembly 20, the user
simply places the slipcover assembly 20 or casing with touch screen
substantially over the display 25 of the computing device 30 so
that the display view screen 55 is shown through the casing
opening/window 50 and is covered by the touch screen 35. The user
will connect the touch screen internal circuitry or processing
components or controller to the computing device 35 with a physical
connection 40 or with a wireless connection. Then, the non-touch
screen display is automatically converted to a touch screen
display.
[0062] If required, the user may also install software to allow the
computing device and the controller to exchange and to interpret
the input information from the touch screen sensor.
[0063] Further, if installed, the user may also pull out, pivot,
adjust, and extend a stand from the casing outer surface to help
support the slipcover assembly and the display (from a first
position or closed position to a second or open position).
[0064] This invention is very useful because it provides an easy
and cost-effective way for a user to convert a non-touch screen
display to a touch screen display. The user has a tremendous amount
of flexibility and ease of use because the touch screen slipcover
assembly can be placed over several different computing device
displays.
[0065] The user is able to save time and money with this invention
and avoids having to transport his or her display and/or computing
device to an installer and/or integrator to have the touch screen
installed into the display. With the locking embodiment, the user
is also able to securely fasten the slipcover assembly to the
display.
[0066] The applications for touch screen displays are numerous in
the military, retail, professional, and residential areas. With the
growth of sophistication of computer input devices evolving from
keyboards and mouse(s) to graphic user interfaces and touch screen
devices, this invention provides a cost-effective and elegant
solution to provide the user access to the added functionality and
convenience of using a touch screen input device and interface with
the computing device.
[0067] Kit for Slipcover Touch Input Apparatus for Displays for
Computing Devices
[0068] The invention also applies to a kit that can be sold to the
consumer to allow an easy and quick conversion of any display for a
computing device to a touch screen display. For example, the kit
would include installation instructions, the touch screen casing
with touch screen or protective lens or film to fit within the
opening or window of the casing; a connection (physical or
wireless) from the touch screen internal circuitry to the computing
device; and any required software drivers. In addition, there also
may be touch screen cleaning materials such as solution or wipes.
There may also be a detachable, pivotable, and adjustable stand for
the casing as well.
[0069] A structure suitable for converting a non-touch screen
display into a touch screen display for a computing device
comprising: a touch screen; a casing; the casing having an opening
for the touch screen; at least one casing surface; a controller for
the touch screen; a connection from controller of the touch screen
to the computing device, whereby the casing is positioned over and
substantially around the display for the computing device such that
the touch screen in the casing opening is oriented directly over
the display to convert a non-touch screen display to a touch screen
display. The connection to the computing device is a Universal
Serial Bus, Fire Wire, wireless, or cable connection. The casing
further comprises at least one outer casing surface and at least
one inner casing surface, whereby the at least one outer casing
surface and the at least one inner casing surface define a space
for the display to fit. The casing comprises a plastic composite.
The casing further comprises at least one pivotable stand, which is
positioned opposite to the opening of the casing, whereby the at
least one stand supports the structure and the display.
[0070] A structure suitable for converting a non-touch screen
display into a touch screen display for a computing device
comprising: a touch screen; a casing; the casing having an opening
for the touch screen; at least one casing surface; a controller for
the touch screen; a connection from controller of the touch screen
to the computing device; the casing surface having at least one
pivotable stand, whereby the casing is positioned over and
substantially around the display for the computing device such that
the touch screen in the casing opening is oriented directly over
the display to convert a non-touch screen display to a touch screen
display and whereby the at least one stand supports the casing and
the display.
[0071] A method of using structure suitable for converting a
non-touch screen display into a touch screen display for a
computing device, said structure comprising a touch screen; a
casing; the casing having an opening for the touch screen and at
least one outer casing surface and at least one inner casing
surface; the at least one outer casing surface and the at least one
inner casing surface further defining a space for the display; a
controller for the touch screen; a connection from the controller
of the touch screen to the computing device, comprising the
following steps: (1) placing the casing over and substantially
around the display into the space defined by the at least one outer
casing surface and the at least one inner casing surface; and (2)
attaching the connection from the controller of the touch screen to
the computing device, whereby the touch screen in the casing
opening is oriented directly over the display to convert a
non-touch screen display to a touch screen display. The method
further comprises installing a software driver for the touch screen
into the computing device. The method further comprises moving a
pivotable stand on the casing from a first closed position to a
second opened position.
* * * * *